AIIMS 2019 Chemistry Molecular Orbital Theory Assertion Reason Question

The assertion that H₂⁺ and H₂⁻ have the same bond order is true because both species have a bond order of 0.5, calculated from their molecular orbital configurations. However, the reason that H₂⁺ is less stable than H₂⁻ is false; in fact, H₂⁺ is less stable than H₂ due to its positive charge and lower electron count, while H₂⁻ is more stable than H₂ due to the extra electron. Options A and B are incorrect because they imply that the reason correctly explains the assertion, which it does not, and option D is incorrect as the assertion is true.